As the GARDEN project advances toward full pilot implementation, two cornerstone analytical reports have been published, offering a comprehensive foundation for action across the Mediterranean region.
These studies not only guide the project’s six pilot sites but also provide a valuable knowledge base for local authorities, policy makers, researchers, and practitioners working toward sustainable and resilient food systems.
Strategic Lessons from Mediterranean Food Logistics
The report titled “Transnational synthesis of the strategic lessons learned from the state of the art” offers a cross-cutting analysis of the current food logistics landscape across GARDEN pilot territories. Drawing from contextual studies, stakeholder input, and feasibility assessments, the document distills transferable insights and strategic approaches to improve supply chain sustainability.
It introduces:
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Key generalizable lessons for enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact
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Detailed diagnostics of the pre-intervention state of each pilot site
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A relevancy matrix mapping the applicability of lessons to local needs
This report equips partners and cities beyond GARDEN with the tools to build locally rooted but scalable logistics models.
Sustainable Mobility and Logistics in Short Food Supply Chains
The second report, “Report on food chain logistic challenges, electric and biofuel mobility solutions in public policies,” focuses on overcoming the practical and systemic barriers in short and local food supply chains (SFSCs), especially the “last mile” challenge.
Key takeaways include:
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The need to scale and pool volumes before investing in advanced logistics infrastructure
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The role of intermediaries and public-private partnerships in improving delivery efficiency
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Viable low-emission technologies like electromobility, biofuels, and retrofitting
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The importance of policy alignment with tools like SUMPs, SECAPs, and LEZs
The report reinforces the message that technological innovation must go hand-in-hand with governance reform to ensure lasting impact.
Together, these deliverables form the analytical backbone of the GARDEN project—supporting evidence-based implementation and enabling broader transfer of good practices across the Euro-Mediterranean space.
